Review of 40 Mile Road - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Texas’ 40 Mile Road bills itself as being part of the “Red Dirt Music Scene”. Their influences include Johnny Cash, ZZ Top, Alabama and the Beatles. They’ve been together 3 years, “born out of roadhouses”. So, here’s the (red) dirt on some of their work:

“Memphis” is young rocker stuff; no doubt the chicks really dig this live. But with this tune, they reveal themselves as not the hard rock they would have you believe. “Running & Hollering” is very blues-y. You can hear that the musicians are solidly talented; they’re real and not overly produced. “Hell Bent” has a top-40 sound to my ears, a little cliché. “Gypsy” is soulful and very reminiscent of live Allman Brothers performances, with a very clear voice. “The Old Man” is very slide guitar-blues-y. The 50’s sock-hop lyrics don’t fit the Muddy Waters sound. “I’m Never Right” is surprising in the midst of the other songs -- it’s got an old, honky-tonk sound to it, like Merle Haggard. Good stuff!

Find out more about the band at www.40mileroad.com.

Review: Olga - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Olga may have been born in Austria, but she’s all Southern now! Olga is the co-owner of a record label in New Orleans, a recording studio in Como, Misssissippi and she lives in Memphis. Olga plays many instruments: guitar, classical violin and piano, drums and washboard (!). Her influences include Memphis Minnie, Peggy Lee and The Grateful Dead. She has performed at the House of Blues.

The Delta sound has definitely filtered into her music: “Your Love Don’t Work Like Mine” is Blues with a rockin’ beat. Deep, throaty vocals -- like Dottie West. “Gotta Keep Movin’” has a Melissa Etheridge sound with Los Lobos beat. That makes sense, as Los Lobos has been one of Olga’s mentors. I’d say this is a good driving song. “Weary” is dark, rocking blues, Bonnie Raitt-like. Good stuff. “Ain’t it a Shame” reminds me of some of those folk songs of the ‘60’s that got translated into English, such as Moscow Nights. It has that balelika sound and choruses that were popular back then. “I Won’t Ask” has a Patti LaBelle, Southern pop sound, if that makes sense. She has a new CD out, “Now is the Time”. This CD really lets you know that she gets it, the genre and how she fits in. The title track is very deep and bluesy. “Weary” has some tough guitar licks. Olga’s husband is Jimbo Mathus, of Buddy Guy and also, Squirrel Nut Zippers fame. Jimbo is working with a lot of indie artists these days besides Olga. He makes his Mississipi presence known on “Ain’t it a Shame”. “Stealin’” has a down-home Delta feel. She has a nice take on “Goin’ Down the Road, Feeling Bad.”

For information on Olga see www.laolga.com.

Review: Cattletruck - Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Charlotte, North Carolina’s Cattletruck doesn’t pretend that they are after the big record deal and they’re not telling their day jobs to “take this job and shove it”. And yet, they are very listenable and appealing. What can I say? I hear all kinds of music every day and somehow, Cattletruck made it to the head of the line for downloading to the ol’ Ipod.

They say they’re influenced by Ronnie Van Zant, Waylon Jennings and Drive by Truckers. Their lead singer, originally from Texas, is Jud Block. He does have that Drive by Truckers vocal thing going -- if that’s your thing.

I listened to a few of their songs. “Steve Earle Blues” has a great guitar sound, even some blues-y Marshall Tucker Band sounds going on. Jud is a deep, growly, Southern storyteller -- he’s not really singing. “Dark Ride” definitely has that Southern rock guitar sound. There is some good songwriting ability with this band, but sometimes the lyrics have an awkward fit over the music. “Short Straw” sounds like Lynyrd Skynyrd ballads met Molly Hatchett vocals, when the singers team up for a duo. Cattletruck has some hard living stuff -- good for an angry long drive or probably pretty terrific live.

For more information, check out www.myspace.com/cattletruck.

Review of Laurelyn Carter - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Laurelyn is the 16-year-old pride and joy of Alabama; last year, she was named the state’s Country Music Association Female Country Artist of the Year. She’s played the Big Spring Jam in Huntsville, before 200,000 people, the Bluebird Cafe, as well as Darryl Worley’s Tennessee River Run. Laurelyn has opened for Vince Gill, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town and Percy Sledge.

I listened to a number of her songs. “Train to Tupelo” has a pop-country feeling, reminding me of Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine”. On “I Went Falling,” Laurelyn’s tender years really show on the vocals of this track, plus there are some odd audio “special” effects thrown in. Laurelyn has a very sweet, clear voice -- a little incongruous with the lyrics of “Wild Ride”. She shines best in “He’s Not You,” which is bluesy and allows her to show her emotions.

For more information, check out www.laurelyn.com.

Review: Little Country Giants - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

The five members of Little Country Giants hail from Rome, Calhoun and Athens, Georgia. They claim as influences Leon Redbone, Willie Nelson, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris.

Their song, “Gone for Awhile” does have a Gram Parsons sound to it, but with a better, lusher voice. The female backup singers remind me of the Starland Vocal Band’s “Afternoon Delight”. In “Something to Be Proud Of,” the band has a blues-y folk sound, with that real Delta lilt. It’s really hard to compare them to anybody -- they have their own cool, unique sound. “Breaking Hearts and Living Free” is kind of Emmylou Harris meets Jessi Colter in a twangy ballad.

Lighthouse Gospelettes Review - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

The Lighthouse Gospelettes are a Black Southern Gospel singing group out of Athens, Georgia. Having performed together in some incarnation or another for 40 years (!), they are tight. They have a polished, professional sound that you would be proud to listen to in your church any Sunday. Plus, they’re fun! Their music incorporates a number of different styles, which they handle successfully.

Here’s some insight into some of their songs: “A Little Something Different” is a modern funk song, reminding me of Sister Sledge. This song is a social protest-type song with religious overtones, like those written by Billy Preston. There’s a great band with a good horn section backing up the singers. “He’ll Lead the Way” is blues-y with great vocals. The chorus is powerful -- the kind you want to hear in a Gospel song. “Oh, How I Love Jesus” is a Gospel ballad, traditional and soulful.

For more information on the Lighthouse Gospelettes, check out www.lgshouse.com.

Tia McGraff Review - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Canada’s Tia McGraff has moved to Nashville and adopted the South as her sound. See? We’ve been telling you about Canadian-Southern ties. She’s a singer-songwriter who’s performed at the famed Bluebird Cafe. McGraff performs with anything from 2 to 6 musicians.

“Catfish Deacon” is dark and blues-y. Nashville has crept into her, for sure. This song reminds of Dusty Springfield singing “Son of a Preacher Man”, with a touch of Melissa Etheridge thrown in. “The Devil’s Gold” is in true singer-songwriter style. To me, it has the sound of some older Linda Ronstadt recordings. McGraff shows a plaintive, sweet voice here. “Second Chance” is a sad love song.

For more information on Tia McGraff, check out www.tiamcgraff.com.

Review: Timothy Scott - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

North Carolina’s Timothy Scott has all his orchestration at his own fingertips: he’s a virtuoso player of guitar, bass, drums, violin, flute, dobro, mandolin and banjo. Still, he does use other musicians for his recordings. Scott’s a singer-songwriter that could have a great future ahead of him if he wants it. He says he’s influenced by Bob Dylan, Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie.

His song “½ Wiccan & ½ Miz Thing” will probably be the favorite of most of our readers: it has a Santana-like sound with interesting instrumentation, a memorable melody and dusty, Southern tenor vocals. You gotta love lyrics about a girl who likes her meat and 3’s. “Young Soul” has a 60’s folk song quality, very Peter, Paul and Mary. “Take It Fast” might come off as a little too coffeehouse for y’all, but it does have pretty vocals. “Owed to the Blues” is a great song and could rock even more in the hands of a rock producer.

For more information, check out www.myspace.com/timothyscottw.

Review: Tom Marcellis - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Tom Marcellis may live in Florida, but he’s a pure Tennessee boy. Born in Memphis and raised in Chattenooga, he has a myriad of musical influences in his work. He says he was influenced by Charlie Daniels, Doc Watson, Molly Hatchet, etc. I hear some live Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead and Little Feat. Marcellis has opened for CDB, Buckwheat Zydeco, The Kudzu Kings.

I listened to a few songs: “Dog Song”, “Roll” and “New Day”. “Dog Song” is funny, kind of a Southern version of Adam Sandler. “Roll” is a little rougher, both in voice and in language. “New Day”’s lyrics remind me of some Bad Company songs, but backed by a jazzy piano.

The musicians behind Tom are very good . . .I’m sure he plays a great show at festivals. If you like that jam-band sound, check him out at www.tommarcellis.com.

Review of MYSTR Treefrog- Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Jon Brayton is secretly and modestly, MYSTR Treefrog. Let me just start out saying that there is NOT ONE of our favorite Southern rock bands he couldn’t open for. In fact, I was at a Southern band’s concert recently with the most GOD-AWFUL opening act and it did that band a disservice (NB - Bands, just because she’s cute doesn’t mean she should open for you ... On stage.) MYSTR Treefrog was born and bred in Georgia, but now makes Maryland his home. He’s like a very Southern version of Woody Guthrie, but angrier. His instrumentation includes some washboards and twangy guitar. He plays dobro, acoustic, electric guitar, bass. He says his influences include Captain Beefheart, the Allman Brothers, Little Feat and Dr. John. “Chikin Milk” definitely has a Woody Guthrie sound, but swampier. “N2NYC” has a more classic rock sound, but there’s no mistaking Jon’s Southern accent. “Troubled Sleep” has a John Lee Hooker bent, but funkier, more ‘70’s. “The Ark” will have you thinking of Bob Dylan. “U Fit the Profile” is an angry political song with solid musicianship to back up the check he’s writing. “How Many Fingers” is hilarious. Quick tempo, quicker wit. Very smart-alecky -- reminds me of Night Train.

For more information, check out www.mystrtreefrog.altpro.net.

What’s the OMD’s “Supe” Up To? - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Michael “Supe” Granda goes by “Supe duJour” and is known to Southern rock fans as the Ozark Mountain Daredevils band member who liked to wear a Superman cape. Nowadays, he divides time between his home in Nashville and the folks back home in Springfield, Missouri. He always has a bunch of projects on the burner, but two are currently front-burner.

The CD “Smartest Man in the World” definitely retains that Ozark sound he made popular in the 70’s. Not overly produced, you feel like you’re at a bar listening to a great band. Many of the songs, like “Nicolette,” have a Little Feat or Dr. John feel, with their instrumentation. “If You Can’t See That, You Can’t See Nothing” will make you think of a toned-down Black Oak Arkansas. Supe’s voice is definitely still on track, which many of his ‘70’s compatriots can’t boast. The rhythms drive and are catchy, like “Gonna Buy Me a Car” -- very blues-y. Southern fans will love the lyrics of “When He Dances with Frances”. “Nothing’s Been Right Since You Left” has a very top 40 Country sound; I can imagine it racing up the charts if one of the Nashville whippersnappers covered it.

So, I was curious about what the differences would be between that recording and “Pasta Man”. Pasta Man was done back in Missouri with friends from Springfield. It certainly has a more eclectic, retro sound with more casual recording setup. You can hear some Jerry Lee Lewis influences, as well as older Charlie Daniels. “I Was Wrong” has a good boogie beat. Supe and his band the Sandwiches sure loves themselves a novelty song -- the modern day Ray Stevens.

For more information, check out www.supeline.com.

Review of Taildragger - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Skeptictank is their shiny new release. “Had it Coming” sounds so much like The Who, in both instrumentation and vocals, you won’t believe it. “Honey Hole” has a driving beat that reminds me of Travis Tritt’s good ol’ days. You ain’t gonna hear this song playing on a Disney Cruise, but that’s a good thing. I listen to a lot of CD’s these days and I appreciate the quality of recording you can hear in “Below the Bottom”. The vocals and musicians are perfectly balanced, with a very clear, crisp sound. “Disfunkshun Junkshun” is Southern rock married to some techno-funk effects. There are some very powerful guitar riffs here. “Mary Virginia” reminds me of classic Allman Brothers. “She Got A Way” has a ZZ Top/Texas Blues sound. “Six Years Ago” has blues-y riffs, but the vocals have a more country sound. “Believe” has it’s own sound, what Southern rock is destined to sound like in the years to come. “Hey Lil’ John” sounds like ol’ man musings of John Lee Hooker. “Shotgun Smoke” has good, full instrumentation and a driving beat.

For more information, check out www.taildraggerrocks.com

Review of Phillip Rogers – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

You probably have already heard Georgia born and bred Phillip Rogers, who used to front the band “Phil ‘n’ the Blanks”. He claims as influences Allman Brothers, Johnny Winter, Doobies, Delbert McClinton, Jimmy Buffett and John Prine, but I feel he must have been an old Delta picker with a pork-pie hat in another life.

“A Piece of My Soul” is rockin’ R & B Blues, Chicago-style. “Can’t Blame Nobody But Me” has more of that Delta sound, almost Gospel like. “Start it Up” is very catchy, danceable in a juke-joint way. “I Depend on You” is a blues ballad, with very nice instrumentals – well recorded. “You Look So Good” is also a blues ballad.

For more information, check out www.philliprogers.com .

Review of Brother 2 Brother – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Brother 2 Brother is from Houston. They claim the influence of Texas blues greats such as T-Bone Walker and Stevie Ray Vaughn. I hear a less angry sound and more of a fun, Southern beach sound, like Little Feat, Jimmy Buffet and even, some of the more rocking Alabama stuff. You can hear this especially in songs like “Toobin” and “Sometimes Gone is Gone”. “Fool Boy’s Road” does have a Texas sound, reminding me ZZ Top. “Don’t Be Shy” has an 80’s metal sound, like Meatloaf or Skid Row, and that can be fun.

One of the members, Norm Uhl, certainly has an interesting background: he used to be a tv newsman! Uhl served as an on-air reporter for 15 years on Houston's CBS affiliate.

For more information, check out www.brother2brother.com .

Review of Justin Conn – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Memphis’ Justin Conn has a sound that will remind you of your favorite Southern rock jam bands, especially the Allman Brothers. Plus, he has a really good voice. So many bands get everything but that most important feature. Of course, you’ve either got it or you don’t. Justin does.

“Jenine” has a classic Southern jam band sound. “6 & ½” has a little bit more of an indie sound, but mixed with Delta instrumentation. “Memphis Thing” sure earns its title.

Justin has been able to attract big-time talent to work with him on his CD: Johnny Neel of the Allman Brothers and Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns.

For more information, check out www.justinconn.com .

Review of Cary Ann Hearst – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Cary Ann Hearst has a bluesy-country sound, without being sugary. She reminds me of Natalie Maines and Neko Case. “Happy Woman Blues” definitely has a dark, blues girl sound. “Dust and Bones” has a driving rhythm and is fun to listen to.

She and her band claim to have found each other in the “squalor” neighborhoods of Charleston, SC. Their influences include “the Jack White era of Loretta Lynn”, punks and Southern preachers. They may be young, but they sound like they’ve been around the block a few times –good stuff.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/caryannhearst

Review of Wink Keziah and Delux Motel – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

The name might be a mouthful (I’d go with just “Delux Motel”, guys), but they have a cool sound – probably fun live. They hail from North Carolina and have a solid history in the “biz”. Wink Keziah has opened for acts such as Marty Stuart, John Anderson and Southern Culture on the Skids. His band members have very interesting backgrounds, playing with Frank Zappa, David Allan Coe and even Tesla! So, you know they can rock.

I listened to “Hillbilly Saturday Night”, “I Wanna Thank You” and “Time Slips Away”. To me, I definitely hear some Junior Brown rockabilly riffs in there, very entertaining.

For more info, check out http://www.winkkeziah.com/ .

Review of Cadillac Sky – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Whether you call it Bluegrass, New Grass or Hillbilly music, it’s important for all of our music that there are bands today keeping up the tradition of Bill Monroe. Cadillac Sky hails from Texas. They have a valuable asset in their lead singer, Bryan Simpson, who’s written songs for George Strait, Jason Aldean, Terri Clark, Mark Wills, Lonesome River Band, Neal McCoy and Kenny Rogers. The band consists of guitar, banjo, upright bass, mandolin and fiddle.

Listening to them, I hear a very Union Station sound -- fresh and clean. If you aspire to be like Cadillac Sky when you are “grown-up”, they even host a Bluegrass workshop.

For more information about Cadillac Sky, check out http://www.cadillacsky.net/ .

Review of Gigi Dover and The Big Love – Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Gigi Dover performs in a number of styles, some more indie than Southern. But this North Carolinian is definitely influenced by her Southern heritage. Her voice reminds me of Janis Joplin’s (whom she claims as an influence). Her song, “Between the Lines” makes me think of a cross between Emmylou Harris and some of Kathy Mattea’s more rocking tunes.

She performs live mostly as a trio, but records as a quintet. For more information, check out http://www.gigidover.com/ .

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